In a significant address aimed at bolstering regional security architecture, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan presented a compelling strategic framework to deepen military collaboration among Indo-Pacific nations. The proposal was made during the third edition of the Indo-Pacific Land Forces Summit, a high-level gathering of army chiefs and senior officers hosted in New Delhi.
The 'Ikigai' Framework: A Strategic Compass for Cooperation
At the heart of General Chauhan's vision lies the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai', which translates to 'a reason for being'. He adeptly adapted this philosophy to the realm of defence and security cooperation. The CDS urged the participating nations to introspect and identify their shared purpose within the Indo-Pacific region's security landscape.
The framework poses four fundamental questions to guide collective action: What is it that the region needs? What can the respective land forces offer? What do the land forces believe in? And what can they be paid for or gain in terms of security? The intersection of the answers to these questions, General Chauhan argued, would reveal the collective 'Ikigai' or shared purpose for the land forces of the Indo-Pacific, paving the way for more focused and effective collaboration.
Context and Key Participants at the Summit
The summit, a pivotal event for regional defence dialogue, was inaugurated by Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande. It saw the participation of delegations from 22 Indo-Pacific countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and several ASEAN nations. The presence of such a wide array of military leadership underscored the growing importance of multilateral land force engagement in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
General Chauhan emphasized that contemporary security challenges are complex and transcend national borders. He highlighted that issues like terrorism, climate change, and humanitarian disasters require a cohesive and united response from regional powers. The Land Forces Summit serves as a critical platform to build the trust and interoperability necessary for such joint endeavours.
Building Bridges and Enhancing Interoperability
The CDS outlined practical avenues for cooperation that align with the proposed Ikigai framework. These included increasing the complexity and scale of joint military exercises, fostering partnerships in defence technology and innovation, and improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The focus was on creating tangible outcomes that enhance the collective security capacity of all participating nations.
This initiative is seen as a part of India's broader commitment to its 'Act East' policy and its role as a net security provider in the region. By proposing a philosophical yet practical framework like Ikigai, General Anil Chauhan has steered the conversation towards a more profound, value-driven partnership, moving beyond transactional engagements. The summit concluded with a reinforced commitment from all attendees to work towards the shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity in the dynamic Indo-Pacific region.
